International Relations 4.15 - Challenges to the Peace Settlement (copy)

Which American political faction were dubious about the League of Nations?

Republicans

What was American isolationism?

The growing ideology that America should try and separate itself from world affairs, in case it got dragged into another European war.

Which party won the midterm elections in 1918

The Republicans

Why did America experience a post-war slump?

Because they had been manufacturing munitions and wartime supplies, and there was no longer a need for that as disarmament began to take place.

What was the American attitude to the Treaty of Versailles?

Disappointment, as they felt the Fourteen Points had not been fulfilled and the terms did not align with American values, such as the blocking of ‘freedom of the seas’ by Britain.

Why did America not join the League of Nations?

Because the Republican majority favoured an isolationist foreign policy that was at odds with the League’s policy of internationalism. As America was the most economically powerful nation in the world, it feared the extent to which it would be expected to engage in foreign affairs

Who succeeded Wilson as President of the United States?

Warren Harding (Republican)

How did Harding implement economic and political isolationism in the US?

By refusing to join the League of Nations, imposing tariffs on foreign imports, banning Asian immigration and placing quotas to limit Southern and Eastern European immigration.

What was the effect of Harding’s tariffs on world trade?

Other countries imposed retaliatory tariffs , which made American imports more expensive. Tis resulted in a decline in global trade, making international cooperation less important to countries’ economies.

How did America’s withdrawal from the League of Nations affect it?

Wilson had pioneered the League, and without America, it lacked leadership, authority and influence. Peacekeeping also became Eurocentric.

What were the consequences of refusing the USSR and Germany membership of the League?

It became seen as a ‘victors club’ more likely to defend the interests of the Great Powers rather than to promote international peace.

What did 'Lloyd George label the League following America’s withdrawal?

A ‘ lame duck’.

What was the French reaction to the post-war settlement?

They were unsatisfied as a whole, but the Treaty of Versailles brought sharp divisions in French politics to light.

What did French socialists say of the Treaty of Versailles?

That it was too harsh - France was democratic now and should cooperate with the new German government.

What did French centre and right-wing politicians say of the Treaty of Versailles?

That it did not offer appropriate assurances against another German invasion: Clemenceau had failed to secure a strong buffer zone, and Germany instead was surrounded by small, weak states that could be invaded again.

What did French General Foch say of the Treaty of Versailles?

That the Treaty was ‘not a peace, but an Armistice for twenty years’. He was exactly right.

How was Clemenceau’s popularity affected by the Treaty of Versailles?

He was defeated in the 1920 presidential election, his critics ironically believing that he had not been harsh enough on Germany.

What was the British reaction to the Treaty of Versailles?

Apprehensive. Lloyd George worried about the inevitable economic ruin established by the reparations would affect Germany’s trade and political climate, the worst-case scenario being a communist revolution.

Was anyone happy with the Treaty of Versailles?

No.

What was the name of the book published by John Maynard Keynes regarding the economic situation engineered by the post-war settlement?

The Economic Consequences of the Peace

How did Germany react to the Treaty of Versailles?

Badly. They initially sent a delegation rejecting the terms and requesting renegotiation, but were instead offered an ultimatum: sign the treaty or face the renewal of conflict. They signed.

What was *Dolchstoss?*

The ‘stab in the back’ mentality that the German delegation had betrayed the people.

Who were the November Criminals?

The German politicians who signed the Treaty of Versailles. This term became a rallying point for right-wing political movements including Nazism.

What happened on 16th June 1919?

The Brockdorff-Rantzau government resigned in response to the ultimatum, prompting the formation of a new government headed by Gustav Bauer.

What was ‘diktat’?

The ‘dictated peace’ forced upon Germany by the Treaty of Versailles.

Why were some German soldiers particularly aggrieved by the Treaty of Versailles?

Because they genuinely believed Germany had been winning the war.

What did the Treaty’s strongest opponents claim of it?

That it was deliberately tying to starve mothers and children.

What alterations were made the the reparations in 1921?

Three German cities were occupied by British and French troops, and the scale of reparations payments were altered in Germany’s favour.